An FIR was today filed against Congress leader and former Union minister Oscar Fernandes for alleged violation of the code of conduct for the August 21 Assembly by-election from Bellary Rural constituency.

The FIR was registered by police based on a complaint by electoral officials after Fernandes and Christian priests addressed a gathering appealing to the community to vote for the Congress candidate N Y Gopalrishna, police said.

It has been registered under section 123(3) (relating to corrupt practice) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, police said.

By-elections are also being held for Shikaripura and Chikkodi-Sadalga seats in the Congress-ruled Karnataka.